Attakkulangara: Government Central School renovation stuck in sand

Thiruvananthapuram: Activists who work for the welfare of the Government Central School, Attakkulangara, alleged that the subcontractor who was responsible for renovations in the buildings here tried to illegally extract sand from the premises. Also, activists suspect that painted second hand roof tiles were used to renovate the building. Habitat, the contractor for the project intervened and promised that all discrepancies would be addressed. “Attakkulangara School sits on what was lush paddy field over a century ago. The sand deposit beneath resembles Shangumugham beach. On Tuesday, a huge pit was noticed here,” said an activist.

“We summoned the subcontractor who initially claimed he had permission to use the sand. He was stopped from filling up the pit with soil. Finally, the contractor arrived and elicited a promise that such incidents would not be repeated,” said an activist. Two buildings, with a total of around 12 classrooms were being renovated here. The works include plastering and painting of buildings apart from the installation of floor tiles without affecting traditional looks. Renovation of another century old building near the entrance of the school has been deferred.

“The old building which served as an office has a 20 degree slant. Earlier, the plan was to raise it but we are exploring other options,” he added. The demolition of the buildings inside the school premises was initiated for construction of a bus bay in July 2015. Protestors stopped the move and new enrollments in the school had shot up from then on. The Government also allotted over Rs 2 crore for renovation works here.